Second Fire Fatality Identified

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

News Release
13-15
Date: February 1, 2013

Mary Ann Margaret Gardner, 16, 3103 Manor Drive, Falls Church, has been
identified as the second victim in the house fire, January 23, 2013,
according to the medical examiner. Fire investigators continue to
investigate the cause of the fire. Fairfax County has recorded two fire
fatalities for 2013.

Two Fatalities in Falls Church House
Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house
fire, Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at approximately 3:25 a.m., in the
Falls Church area of Fairfax County. The single family home is located at
3103 Manor Road.

Firefighters encountered a ranch style home fully engulfed in flames
upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an exterior fire attack due to the
overwhelming volume of fire surrounding all four sides of the home.
Additionally, power lines on the right side of the home came down while
fighting the fire. The fire was brought under control in approximately 30
minutes. Firefighters conducted primary search operations and found a
deceased body. Firefighters continued secondary search operations and
discovered a second body. A dog and cat also perished in the fire.

The home is a complete loss.

Fire and police are both investigating. The names of the deceased will
be withheld until notification of next of kin. The medical examiner will
determine the cause of death. Fire investigators are investigating the
cause of the fire.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Captain I Randal Bittinger,
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY: 711.
Duty PIO (Weekends/After-hours): 703-877-3702
Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs,
services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030fire-rescue.PA-LSEAfairfaxcounty.gov